New Transmission Makes 2020 Hyundai Elantra more Fuel Efficient
In the search for ways to achieve top fuel efficiency parameters, automakers frequently equip small car models with CVTs instead of conventional automatics. Recently, it has been claimed that the Korean automaker Hyundai is likely to resort to the CVT transmission in its upcoming 2020 Elantra model.
A Hyundai representative confirmed that the CVT
option will be added to the product line, but it hasn’t been clarified whether
the carmaker plans to include other transmission options (manual and automatic)
for the 2020 model.
Comparison of fuel economy parameters
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also
shows that the next Elanta model will have a CVT transmission and rates it with
more than 5% improvement in fuel efficiency. It is interesting to point out
that the fuel efficiency parameters of the upcoming Elantra are similar to the
numbers specified for the CVT-equipped Kia Forte model, therefore some experts
assume that both models have the same transmission.
Previously, numerous Hyundai and Kia models had
the identical powertrain components, but one deviation from this rule was when
the Hyundai Elantra remained faithful to conventional automatics and DCT
solutions, but the Kia Forte shifted to a CVT. Now it seems that Hyundai engineers
are ready to give the CVT technology a chance in the 2020 Elantra model.
It is interesting to point out that only a few years ago Kia and Hyundai were in the middle of a scandal related to falsification of data on the fuel efficiency ratings. Back then, the Korean automaker was found guilty and had to pay a multi-million fine for overrating the mpg parameter (40 instead of 38) for 2011-13 Elantra models on the highway.
